United Black Agenda Celebrates Nomination of First Black Woman to NJ Supreme Court

Institute and Partners Say the Historical Nomination Meets a Critical Moment

 in Time

NEWARK – In response to Gov. Murphy’s nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the New Jersey Supreme Court, the United Black Agenda (members listed below) issued the following statement:

“We celebrate Governor Murphy’s historic nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis as the first Black woman to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court.

“This nomination couldn’t come at a more pressing and important moment.

“A moment when we are fighting for the soul of this country.

“When the cracks of structural racism are erupting in earthquakes across America, and across New Jersey.

“When racial disparities in wealth, education, health outcomes and democracy assault our very notions of justice.

“And yes, when the undeniable truth that Black lives matter is being tested by the repeated police killings of Black people.

“As our courts will be a key place for justice to emerge from the current turmoil, it is essential that New Jersey’s people of color are represented there.

“We look forward to Ms. Pierre-Louis’s confirmation and participation on a court that at critical moments has stood for justice, equality and fairness.”

The United Black Agenda consists of the following groups and representatives:

Ryan P. Haygood, CEO & President, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

Elise Boddie, Founder, The Inclusion Project, Rutgers Law School

Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer, Executive Director, Salvation and Social Justice

Carolyn Chang, Past President and Current Social Justice Committee Chair, Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey

Rev. Eric Dobson, Vice President, Fair Share Housing Center & Co-Convener, Black Multifaith Alliance

Reva Foster, Chair, NJ Black Issues Convention

Jerry Harris, Vice Chair, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice Board of Trustees

Richard T. Smith, President, NAACP New Jersey State Conference

###